Lihle Nkosi is a force for change, using entrepreneurship as a tool for empowerment and social justice. From championing youth leadership programs to launching Luma, a groundbreaking legal app, she is redefining accessibility and opportunity for young South Africans
Lihle’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and action. From recognizing the systemic barriers that young people face to developing practical solutions that drive real impact, she has turned her passion for justice into a powerful force for change. Her work is not just about entrepreneurship—it’s about creating pathways for others to succeed.
Glamour: Can you share the journey that led you to becoming an entrepreneur and advocate for youth empowerment and social justice?
Lihle: My journey started with a deep passion for creating opportunities where none existed. Growing up, I was inspired by stories of resilience and the idea that small actions can create big changes. As a student, I realized the gap between accessible knowledge and practical application, especially for young people. This sparked my desire to bridge those gaps through initiatives like youth leadership programs and ventures that empower individuals to thrive despite systemic challenges. Entrepreneurship, for me, became a way to combine my values with action turning ideas into tangible solutions for social and economic change.
Glamour: What inspired the creation of your legal app, Luma, and what unique features does it offer to users?
Lihle: Luma was born out of a need to simplify legal services in South Africa and make them more accessible to everyone. Many people face barriers when it comes to connecting with legal professionals or understanding their rights. Luma bridges this gap by providing a seamless platform where clients can consult lawyers, pay for services, and access legally binding contracts all in one place. The app's unique features include secure token-based payments, scheduled consultations, and a user-friendly interface tailored to South African needs. It's more than an app; it's a step towards democratizing access to justice.
Glamour: How did you go about establishing Legal Luminaries Consulting Group, and what impact do you aim to have with it?
Lihle: Establishing Legal Luminaries Consulting Group was a natural progression of my mission to empower others with knowledge and tools. It started with a simple goal: to provide high-quality legal consulting services while creating a platform for mentorship and professional growth. The impact I
aim to have goes beyond just resolving legal challengesI want to educate, inspire, and uplift others. By fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, we are creating solutions that address real-world problems while paving the way for the next generation of legal experts.
Glamour: What challenges did you face while building these ventures, and how did you overcome them?
Lihle: The biggest challenge was balancing the vision with the practical hurdles, limited resources, skepticism from others, and the pressure of managing multiple roles. Overcoming these challenges required resilience and a strong support system. I've learned to embrace setbacks as lessons and to focus on incremental progress rather than perfection. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals and a dedicated team has also been key in turning obstacles into opportunities.
Glamour: In your view, what role do young leaders play in creating social change, and how do you empower them through your work?
Lihle: Young leaders are the catalysts of change; they bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Through my work, I aim to provide them with the tools, mentorship, and platforms they need to amplify their voices. Whether its through leadership academies, skill development programs, or advocacy projects, I focus on nurturing their potential to create meaningful and sustainable impact in their communities.
Glamour: Can you share any specific success stories or initiatives where you saw meaningful change as a result of your advocacy and work?
Lihle: One of the most rewarding experiences was seeing the impact of a youth-led environmental cleanup initiative we organized through SN Global Impact. It wasn't just about cleaning up, it was about educating young people on sustainability and creating a ripple effect in their communities. Watching participants take ownership of the project and later lead their own initiatives was a powerful reminder of why I do this work. Each success story, no matter how small, reinforces my belief in the potential of young people to drive transformative change.
Glamour: What motivates you to keep pushing forward in your entrepreneurial and advocacy efforts, even when faced with setbacks?
Lihle: I draw strength from my vision of creating meaningful change, especially for young people who may not have access to opportunities or platforms to showcase their potential. Each setback is a reminder that the road to impact is never easy, but it's always worth it. I remind myself that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and that the work I'm doing isn't just for merits for the generations that come after me. My motivation lies in the lives I aim to touch and the systems I hope to change.
Glamour: How do you balance your personal passions with the practical demands of running businesses like Luma and Legal Luminaries Consulting Group?
Lihle: Balance comes from clarity of purpose. I'm deeply passionate about my businesses because they align with my values and the change I want to see in the world. That said, I prioritize setting boundaries and delegating where I can. I ensure I carve out time for personal growth, reflection, and connecting with God through journaling. It's not always easy, but I've learned that taking care of myself allows me to show up better for my businesses and the people they serve.
Glamour: What advice would you offer to young people who aspire to follow in your footsteps and create their own ventures or lead social justice efforts?
Lihle: Start small, but start with purpose. Understand that success isn't an overnight phenomenon is a series of consistent actions driven by a clear vision. Don't let fear of failure stop you; every misstep is a lesson that will make you stronger. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who inspire you, and never stop learning. Most importantly, remember that authenticity is your superpower. Be true to yourself and the cause you believe in, and the rest will follow.
Glamour: If there's one key message or vision you want readers to take away from your story, what would it be?
Lihle: My journey is a testament that you can build a life of purpose and impact without sacrificing who you are. Whether you're creating a business or leading a movement, the most powerful tool you have is your authenticity. Dream big, work hard, and don't be afraid to challenge the status quo. You have the power to create change, not only in your life but also in the lives of others. And that, to me, is the essence of living a fulfilled life.
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